Government seeks partners on cable car resort
The Department of Tourism and Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (Mitc) are seeking a private sector partner to establish a $150 million (K109 billion) integrated cable car resort on Mulanje Mountain, it has been learnt.
If the project, under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, materialises, it will make the mountain-one of the biggest in Central Africa-a must visit place for tourists in Africa.
Tourism contributes about seven percent to gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report 2016.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Joseph Mwanamvekha and Mitc communications manager Deliby Chimbalu confirmed the existence of the project, their plans to invite a private sector partner and its overall importance to the country’s tourism sector.
“Yes, there is indeed such a project which the Department of Tourism will undertake,” said Mwanamvekha.
The integrated project proposes development of a world class tourism destination based on fantasy and adventure.
Underpinned by a cable car facility, the project will include large and sky ride, fun rides, health spa, wellness centre, living museum, eco-lodge, eco-adventure activities and a variety of themed restaurants.
On her part, Chimbalu said the project is one of the many projects in the new compendium, which was released last month and marketed during the Malawi Investment Forum (MIF) 2016.
She said: “We are continuing to market it to potential investors both local and international because we know once it takes shape, it will transform the country’s tourism sector.”
Chimbalu said Mulanje Mountain being a protected area, the project will be under PPP under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model, with government providing land and infrastructure such as roads.
She said local communities will also be encouraged to take up investment opportunities as individuals and blocs.
“A detailed feasibility study will have to be undertaken by the interested parties to determine actual costs,” she said.
Mulanje Mountain is part of the protected Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve and is popular for hiking and climbing and has several mountain huts.
According to the Ministry of Lands, the mountain is located 65 kilometres east of Blanrye and rises sharply from the surrounding plains of Chiradzulu and the tea-growing Mulanje District.
It has a maximum elevation of 3 002 metres at its highest point called Sapitwa Peak.
Much of the Massif consists of rolling grassland at elevations of 1 800 to 2 200 metres, intersected by deep forested ravines. It also has many individual peaks reaching heights of over 2 500 metres, including Chambe Peak. n
